Wren and Crystal turned around to see Ho-ran Park standing behind them. The collar of his white shirt was slightly open, and his hair was a mess, clear signs that he had rushed over.

His gaze was locked on Joy, his brow deeply furrowed. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

"Senior? What are you doing here?" Wren asked in surprise.

Ho-ran Park nodded at Wren.

He took a deep breath, walked over to Joy, and gently patted her shoulder. "Joy."

Joy dazedly lifted her head, the alcohol making her see double.

She squinted for a long moment before finally recognizing the person in front of her.

"H-Ho-ran Park?" she hiccupped, her expression shifting to one of hurt and anger. "What are you doing here? Didn’t you... didn’t you tell me to stop pestering you?"

Ho-ran Park’s Adam’s apple bobbed. His voice was a bit dry as he said, "You’ve had too much to drink. I’ll take you home."

"I don’t need you to take me!" Joy shoved his hand away and staggered to her feet. "I can get back on my own! I’m Joy Lynch... and I couldn’t care less about you!"

She started to walk away as she spoke, but she was so drunk that she stumbled and almost fell.

With quick reflexes, Ho-ran Park steadied her, his arm instinctively wrapping around her waist. "Stop it, Joy."

"Let me go!"

Joy struggled in his embrace, but she was too drunk to have any real strength.

"Ho-ran Park, I’m telling you... I’m done liking you... Go be with whoever you want..."

As she spoke, her voice choked with sobs, and tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.

Ho-ran Park stared at her tear-streaked face, suddenly flustered. A faint blush crept across his fair skin.

After a few seconds of silence, he finally bent down and swept Joy into his arms.

"Hey!" Joy cried out, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Ho-ran Park, what are you doing! Put me down!"

"Stop moving."

Ho-ran Park steadied her in his arms and turned to Wren and Crystal.

"I’m taking her home. Wren, you two should go home soon, too. This place is crowded and full of prying eyes. It’s not safe."

Wren nodded. "Okay. We’re counting on you, Senior."

Ho-ran Park left the bar, carrying a still-struggling Joy.

Wren watched their figures disappear through the doorway and let out a soft sigh.

Crystal was also looking in that direction. "Dr. Park actually cares a lot about Joy," she said quietly.

"I hope so," Wren said, taking another sip from her glass.

The two of them sat back down. The music in the bar was deafening, and on the dance floor, the crowd moved to the beat.

Wren wasn’t much of a drinker, and after a few hard drinks, she was already starting to feel dizzy.

Crystal had had quite a bit to drink, too. The two of them leaned against each other, making idle conversation.

In a VIP booth on the other side of the bar, Nathaniel Quinn was drinking with a few friends.

After downing a glass of whiskey, Nathaniel Quinn casually scanned the bar, his gaze suddenly locking onto something.

’Is that... Wren?’

Nathaniel Quinn narrowed his eyes, confirming he wasn’t seeing things.

Wren was sitting with another woman, several empty glasses on the table in front of them. It looked like they’d both had a lot to drink.

An idea suddenly flashed through Nathaniel Quinn’s mind.

He shot a meaningful look at a friend beside him and whispered a few words.

The friend nodded in understanding and walked toward Wren and Crystal with his drink in hand.

"Hey, beautiful, it’s no fun drinking alone." The man, who looked to be in his early thirties, wore a flashy shirt and had a sleazy tone. "How about we have a drink together?"

Wren frowned. "No, thank you."

"Don’t be so cold," the man said, sliding into the empty seat beside them. "You look like you’re in a bad mood. Why don’t you tell me all about it? I can help cheer you up."

Crystal shot him a cold look. "Please leave."

"Ooh, playing hard to get." The man chuckled, reaching out to touch Wren’s face. "I like that..."

Before his hand could touch Wren, it was caught by the wrist.

"Who the—" The man turned, ready to lash out, but his face changed the instant he saw who it was. "Mr... Mr. Xavier?"

Kaden Xavier stood behind the man, his expression terrifyingly grim.

He was here tonight to discuss business with some partners in a private room. He had just stepped out for a breather when he witnessed the scene.

"Who gave you permission to touch them?" Kaden Xavier’s voice was ice-cold.

"I... I was just trying to make a friend..." the man stammered.

"Get lost."

Kaden Xavier released his grip. His voice wasn’t loud, but it carried an unquestionable authority.

Terrified, the man scrambled away.

Only then did Kaden Xavier turn his attention to Wren and Crystal.

Wren looked up, her drunken eyes hazy as she gazed at him, not seeming to comprehend why he was there.

Her cheeks were flushed from the alcohol and her eyes were unfocused, a complete contrast to her usual cool and collected self.

"Kaden Xavier?" Her voice was soft. "What are you doing here?"

Kaden Xavier’s brow furrowed. "You’re drunk."

"I’m not drunk..." Wren shook her head, nearly tumbling from her seat.

Kaden Xavier quickly steadied her, then said to Crystal, "I’ll take her home."

Although Crystal had also had a lot to drink, she was still mostly sober. She looked at Kaden Xavier, hesitated for a moment, and then nodded. "Okay. Thank you."

Kaden Xavier helped a stumbling Wren out of the bar, with Crystal following close behind.

Kaden Xavier’s driver was already waiting at the entrance.

He helped Wren into the car first, then turned to Crystal. "I’ll have the driver take you home first."

"That’s okay, I can grab a cab." Crystal waved a hand dismissively. "Just take good care of Wren."

Kaden Xavier didn’t insist. He simply nodded and got into the car.

When the car stopped at the entrance to View Gardens, Kaden Xavier helped Wren out.

Wren was half-asleep, staggering as she walked.

Kaden Xavier gave up and simply swept her into his arms, carrying her into the villa.

Butler Chandler was still awake. Seeing Kaden Xavier carry Wren inside, he hurried to greet them. "Sir, is the Madam...?"

"She’s drunk," Kaden Xavier said. "Go prepare something to help her sober up."

"Of course."

Kaden Xavier carried Wren upstairs and gently laid her on the bed.

Wren seemed uncomfortable, furrowing her brow as she rolled onto her side.

Kaden Xavier took off her shoes, tucked her under the covers, and stood beside the bed, watching her for a long time.

She looked so peaceful in her sleep. So fragile.

Kaden Xavier was suddenly reminded of when they had first married. Wren used to sleep just as peacefully beside him then, only back then, she would subconsciously snuggle closer to him in her sleep.

But now, even in sleep, she kept her distance.

Kaden Xavier gave a bitter smile, turned, and left the room.

The next morning, Wren woke up with a splitting headache.

She sat up, rubbing her temples, and was surprised to find herself in her room at View Gardens.

She tried to recall what had happened last night. She remembered drinking at the bar, then someone harassing them, and after that... ’Did Kaden Xavier show up?’

’So, was it Kaden Xavier who brought me home last night?’